Songs from the 19th and 20th centuries, describing the construction, operation, and history of America's railroads. Main repertoire source: N. Cohen, The Long Steel Rail, U.of Chicago Press, 1982. Examples: Drill Ye Tarriers, John Henry, Wabash Cannonball, Casey Jones, Wreck of the Old 97, Paddy Works on the Railway, Life's Railway to Heaven, etc. Accompaniment on acoustic stringed instruments (guitar, banjo, Autoharp, etc.). History and background is given for all songs. Presented annually for the Brighton schools for 13 years; and recently performed at the Strong Museum (Rochester), Heritage Square Museum (Ontario), Cattaraugus County Museum, New England Folk Festival (Mansfield MA). Performed at Cottrell Mem. Library in Atlanta NY, 2011. Many opportunities for audience participation (chorus singing).

Music of the Civil War era, from both North and South, performed in costume and on period instruments (guitar, banjo, concertina etc.). Historical background is given for each song. Selections include partisan rallying calls, songs of nostalgia, soldiers' parodies, and songs of triumph and defeat. Examples: The Bonnie Blue Flag, Tenting Tonight, Just Before the Battle Mother, The Faded Coat of Blue, Marching Through Georgia, We Are Coming From the Cotton Fields, etc. This program has been performed at museums, libraries, folk festivals, and historical societies for the past decade. Includes audience participation (chorus singing). Performed at libraries in Fairport, Watkins Glen, Odessa, Albion, Lockport, Penfield, as well as various regional festivals and Civil War re-enactments.

The Flint Hill Folk have been staff musicians at the Genesee Country Village restoration in Mumford NY for over 30 years. The group includes up to eight members, performing on fiddle, guitar, banjo, hammered dulcimer, mandolin, concertina, and vocals. Performances are in 19th-century costume, and feature restored period instruments. Repertoire includes folk and popular songs of the 19th century/Civil War era, with emphasis on New York composers, and regional themes such as the Erie Canal, Civil War, women's suffrage, The group can perform in numbers from three to six, depending on individual requirements. A subset of the Flint Hill Folk can provide period dance calling and instrumentation. In addition to regular work at Genesee Country Village, group has performed at the Museum of Trades & Industry (Seneca Falls), Brighton Town Concert Series, Salt Museum (Sytacuse), Hamlin Beach State Park, 'Battle of Lain's Mill' Civil War re-enactment (Canisteo), Granger Homestead (Canandaigua), Geneseo Summer Concert Series, many other venues.

Canal songs, performed in 19th-century costume and using period instruments (guitar, banjo, concertina, etc.). Songs about the construction of the canal (1816-1826), about canallers' lives and work, and about the folklore of the canal. Examples: The Meeting of the Waters of Hudson and Erie, Oh That Low Bridge, Paddy On the Canal, Buffalo to Troy, Ee-ri-ee Was Risin', Trip On the Erie, Low Bridge, etc. Also includes information regarding canal and Western New York history. May include Mark Twain poem The Aged Pilot Man. Performed frequently in the Rochester area, and at folk festivals in New York & New England. Performed at libraries in Lockport, Lyons, Albion, Big Springs Museum (Caledonia), historical societies in Greece, West Sparta, etc. Also NY State Button Society convention (Owego), April 2011.

Storyteller Fran Carlisi-Paxson joins Allen Hopkins to re-enact Erie Canal days. Fran plays "Annie," a canal boat cook, while Allen is an itinerant 19th-cehtury musician. Fran recounts several "tall tales" from the canal tradition, while Allen sings songs collected from NY State sources, pertaining to the history and social life of the canal. Program is given in period costume, using antique instruments, and features dialog and byplay that outline some of the lesser-known historical facts of the canal era. The program takes a humorous perspective on many facets of 19th-century Erie Canal life. This program has been presented at Spencerport Canal Days, Livingston County Historical Museum, Greece Historical Society, and elsewhere.

Music drawing on the Irish experience, mainly as emigrants from Ireland and new settlers in America. Selections include songs of departure (Muirshin Durkin, Off to California), of immigrant experience in the US (Paddy On the Canal, Paddy Works On the Railway), discrimination and adjustment (No Irish Need Apply, When McGinnis Gets a Job). Familiar songs of the jukebox Irish canon (When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, My Wild Irish Rose) are used to highlight the assimilation of Irish immigrants and their nostalgia for the old country. Mixed in are Irish melodies of all eras, from O'Carolan harp tunes, dance jigs and reels, Irish rebel songs, and many sing-alongs. Accompaniment on guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica and concertina. Very suited for St. Patrick's Day season. Performed at New England Folk Festival, Hazard Library (Poplar Ridge NY), Wide Awake Club Library (Fillmore NY).

$201- $350

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* Inclusion in this database does not indicate endorsement of any performer
or program by the NYS Education Department, the Office of Cultural Education, the NYS Library or the participating
library systems, nor does it eliminate the need for reference checks and appropriate standard screening procedures.